MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2016
Live from New York: Metal Predictions, Millennial Myths
Members of the jewelry industry have descended upon a sweltering New York City for the annual run of late July events.
New York--Members of the jewelry industry have descended upon a sweltering New York City for the annual run of late July events, including the antique show at the Metropolitan Pavilion and JA New York Summer.
The JA New York show opened Sunday at the Javits center, with 10 designers lining the New Designer Gallery and a slate of education sessions taking place throughout the day.
Sessions on social media, led by Dave Kerpen of Likeable Local, and millennials, led by Ben Smithee, were among the most well-attended seminars of the day.
Smithee’s talk centered on the myths surrounding millennials and the overriding message of his talk was this: Millennials aren’t dissimilar from the generations of consumers who came before them.
“Are millennials really that different?” he asked at the conclusion of the session. “We’re not. It’s really (that) consumerism is changing, it’s really the environment of business is changing.”
The millennial generation, which grew up with technology at their fingertips, is so large and well-connected online that their coming of age has brought about an overall shift in how people of all ages shop.
“Don’t think of it as a group of people, think of it as a mental change … that your business has to change with,” he said. “So we’re having the wrong discussion … about millennials and generations and the next generation of consumers. We should be having a conversation about the evolutionary shift in business and how we can affect that in our industry.”
This year, the JA New York Summer show is taking place against a backdrop of global economic and political uncertainty, underscored by a highly contentious presidential election in the United States.
At the Jewelers of America booth there are life-size cut-outs of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and the association is inviting attendees to take a photo with the candidate of their choice. As of mid-day, JA employees reported that support was split pretty much down the middle.
Global uncertainty, such as that surrounding the emotional U.S. election, and unexpected events, like June’s Brexit vote, can shake up consumer confidence and cause precious metal prices to spike.
But Dave Siminski of United Precious Metals said when it comes to events like an election or a terrorist attack, there’s always an immediate, sharp uptick in metal prices but they usually settle within a few days.
“It’s almost like watching a
heart monitor; you’ll have a blip and then (it) will come back down,” he said at his booth on Sunday afternoon.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2016, Siminski said that the price of gold has been climbing steadily all year, and he expects that to continue, with the yellow finishing the year at $1,375. Stuller’s Tammy Kidder, who was a visitor in the United Precious Metals booth, had a slightly lower prediction, $1,300 an ounce.
Siminski and Kidder both see silver continuing to rise as well, hitting about $22 an ounce, while platinum is expected to finish the year around $1,100 an ounce.
The jewelry industry events continue today in New York, with the WJA Awards for Excellence at the Hammerstein Ballroom, the announcement of the winners of the AGTA Spectrum Awards, and, on Tuesday, the American Gem Society’s annual Circle of Distinction dinner.
JA New York Summer continues through Tuesday at the Javits Center.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2016, Siminski said that the price of gold has been climbing steadily all year, and he expects that to continue, with the yellow finishing the year at $1,375. Stuller’s Tammy Kidder, who was a visitor in the United Precious Metals booth, had a slightly lower prediction, $1,300 an ounce.
Siminski and Kidder both see silver continuing to rise as well, hitting about $22 an ounce, while platinum is expected to finish the year around $1,100 an ounce.
The jewelry industry events continue today in New York, with the WJA Awards for Excellence at the Hammerstein Ballroom, the announcement of the winners of the AGTA Spectrum Awards, and, on Tuesday, the American Gem Society’s annual Circle of Distinction dinner.
JA New York Summer continues through Tuesday at the Javits Center.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
